Odyssey

There came a common beggar to the court,

ἦλθε δʼ ἐπὶ πτωχὸς πανδήμιος, ὃς κατὰ ἄστυ

Who in the city begg'd of all resort,

πτωχεύεσκʼ Ἰθάκης, μετὰ δʼ ἔπρεπε γαστέρι μάργῃ

Excell'd in madness of the gut, drunk, ate,

ἀζηχὲς φαγέμεν καὶ πιέμεν· οὐδέ οἱ ἦν ἲς

Past intermission, was most hugely great,

οὐδὲ βίη, εἶδος δὲ μάλα μέγας ἦν ὁράασθαι.

Yet had no fibres in him nor no force,

Ἀρναῖος δʼ ὄνομʼ ἔσκε· τὸ γὰρ θέτο πότνια μήτηρ

In sight a man, in mind a living corse.

ἐκ γενετῆς· Ἶρον δὲ νέοι κίκλησκον ἅπαντες,

His true name was Arnæus, for his mother

οὕνεκʼ ἀπαγγέλλεσκε κιών, ὅτε πού τις ἀνώγοι·

Impos'd it from his birth, and yet another

ὅς ῥʼ ἐλθὼν Ὀδυσῆα διώκετο οἷο δόμοιο,

The city youth would give him (from the course

καί μιν νεικείων ἔπεα πτερόεντα προσηύδα·

He after took, deriv'd out of the force

εἶκε, γέρον, προθύρου, μὴ δὴ τάχα καὶ ποδὸς ἕλκῃ.

That need held on him, which was up and down

οὐκ ἀΐεις ὅτι δή μοι ἐπιλλίζουσιν ἅπαντες,

To run on all men's errands through the town)

ἑλκέμεναι δὲ κέλονται; ἐγὼ δʼ αἰσχύνομαι ἔμπης.

Which sounded Irus. When whose gut was come,

ἀλλʼ ἄνα, μὴ τάχα νῶϊν ἔρις καὶ χερσὶ γένηται.

He needs would bar Ulysses his own home,

τὸν δʼ ἄρʼ ὑπόδρα ἰδὼν προσέφη πολύμητις Ὀδυσσεύς·

And fell to chiding him: "Old man," said he,

δαιμόνιʼ, οὔτε τί σε ῥέζω κακὸν οὔτʼ ἀγορεύω,

"Your way out of the entry quickly see

οὔτε τινὰ φθονέω δόμεναι καὶ πόλλʼ ἀνελόντα.

Be with fair language taken, lest your stay

οὐδὸς δʼ ἀμφοτέρους ὅδε χείσεται, οὐδέ τί σε χρὴ

But little longer see you dragg'd away.

ἀλλοτρίων φθονέειν· δοκέεις δέ μοι εἶναι ἀλήτης

See, sir, observe you not how all these make

ὥς περ ἐγών, ὄλβον δὲ θεοὶ μέλλουσιν ὀπάζειν.

Direct signs at me, charging me to take

χερσὶ δὲ μή τι λίην προκαλίζεο, μή με χολώσῃς,

Your heels, and drag you out? But I take shame.

μή σε γέρων περ ἐὼν στῆθος καὶ χείλεα φύρσω

Rise yet, y' are best, lest we two play a game

αἵματος· ἡσυχίη δʼ ἂν ἐμοὶ καὶ μᾶλλον ἔτʼ εἴη

At cuffs together." He bent brows, and said:

αὔριον· οὐ μὲν γάρ τί σʼ ὑποστρέψεσθαι ὀΐω

"Wretch! I do thee no ill, nor once upbraid

δεύτερον ἐς μέγαρον Λαερτιάδεω Ὀδυσῆος.

Thy presence with a word, nor, what mine eye

τὸν δὲ χολωσάμενος προσεφώνεεν Ἶρος ἀλήτης·

By all hands sees thee giv'n, one thought envy.

ὢ πόποι, ὡς ὁ μολοβρὸς ἐπιτροχάδην ἀγορεύει,

Nor shouldst thou envy others. Thou may'st see

γρηῒ καμινοῖ ἶσος· ὃν ἂν κακὰ μητισαίμην

The place will hold us both; and seem'st to me

κόπτων ἀμφοτέρῃσι, χαμαὶ δέ κε πάντας ὀδόντας

A beggar like myself; which who can mend?

γναθμῶν ἐξελάσαιμι συὸς ὣς ληϊβοτείρης.

The Gods give most to whom they least are friend.

ζῶσαι νῦν, ἵνα πάντες ἐπιγνώωσι καὶ οἵδε

The chief goods Gods give, is in good to end.

μαρναμένους· πῶς δʼ ἂν σὺ νεωτέρῳ ἀνδρὶ μάχοιο;

But to the hands' strife, of which y' are so free,

ὣς οἱ μὲν προπάροιθε θυράων ὑψηλάων

Provoke me not, for fear you anger me;

οὐδοῦ ἔπι ξεστοῦ πανθυμαδὸν ὀκριόωντο.

And lest the old man, on whose scorn you stood,

τοῖϊν δὲ ξυνέηχʼ ἱερὸν μένος Ἀντινόοιο,

Your lips and bosom make shake hands in blood.

ἡδὺ δʼ ἄρʼ ἐκγελάσας μετεφώνει μνηστήρεσσιν·

I love my quiet well, and more will love

ὦ φίλοι, οὐ μέν πώ τι πάρος τοιοῦτον ἐτύχθη,

To-morrow than to-day. But if you move

οἵην τερπωλὴν θεὸς ἤγαγεν ἐς τόδε δῶμα.

My peace beyond my right, the war you make

ὁ ξεῖνός τε καὶ Ἶρος ἐρίζετον ἀλλήλοιϊν

Will never after give you will to take

χερσὶ μαχέσσασθαι· ἀλλὰ ξυνελάσσομεν ὦκα.

Ulysses' house into your begging walk."

ὣς ἔφαθʼ, οἱ δʼ ἄρα πάντες ἀνήϊξαν γελόωντες,

"O Gods," said he, "how volubly doth talk

ἀμφὶ δʼ ἄρα πτωχοὺς κακοείμονας ἠγερέθοντο.

This eating gulf! And how his fume breaks out,

τοῖσιν δʼ Ἀντίνοος μετέφη, Εὐπείθεος υἱός·

As from an old crack'd oven! Whom I will clout

κέκλυτέ μευ, μνηστῆρες ἀγήνορες, ὄφρα τι εἴπω.

So bitterly, and so with both hands mall

γαστέρες αἵδʼ αἰγῶν κέατʼ ἐν πυρί, τὰς ἐπὶ δόρπῳ

His chaps together, that his teeth shall fall

κατθέμεθα κνίσης τε καὶ αἵματος ἐμπλήσαντες·

As plain seen on the earth as any sow's,

ὁππότερος δέ κε νικήσῃ κρείσσων τε γένηται,

That ruts the corn-fields, or devours the mows.

τάων ἥν κʼ ἐθέλῃσιν ἀναστὰς αὐτὸς ἑλέσθω·

Come, close we now, that all may see what wrong

αἰεὶ αὖθʼ ἡμῖν μεταδαίσεται, οὐδέ τινʼ ἄλλον

An old man tempts that takes at cuffs a young."

πτωχὸν ἔσω μίσγεσθαι ἐάσομεν αἰτήσοντα.

Thus in the entry of those lofty tow'rs

ὣς ἔφατʼ Ἀντίνοος, τοῖσιν δʼ ἐπιήνδανε μῦθος.

These two, with all spleen, spent their jarring pow'rs.

τοῖς δὲ δολοφρονέων μετέφη πολύμητις Ὀδυσσεύς·

Antinous took it, laugh'd, and said: "O friends,

ὦ φίλοι, οὔ πως ἔστι νεωτέρῳ ἀνδρὶ μάχεσθαι

We never had such sport! This guest contends

ἄνδρα γέροντα, δύῃ ἀρημένον· ἀλλά με γαστὴρ

With this vast beggar at the buffet's fight.

Come, join we hands, and screw up all their spite."

All rose in laughters; and about them bore

All the ragg'd rout of beggars at the door.

Then mov'd Antinous the victor's hire

To all the Wooers thus: "There are now at fire

Two breasts of goat; both which let law set down

Before the man that wins the day's renown,

With all their fat and gravy. And of both

The glorious victor shall prefer his tooth,

To which he makes his choice of, from us all,

And ever after banquet in our hall,

With what our boards yield; not a beggar more

Allow'd to share, but all keep out at door."

This he propos'd; and this they all approv'd,

To which Ulysses answer'd: "O most lov'd,

By no means should an old man, and one old

In chief with sorrows, be so over-bold

To combat with his younger; but, alas,

Man's own-ill-working belly needs will pass

This work upon me, and enforce me, too,

To beat this fellow. But then, you must do

My age no wrong, to take my younger's part,

And play me foul play, making your strokes' smart

ὀτρύνει κακοεργός, ἵνα πληγῇσι δαμείω.

Help his to conquer; for you eas'ly may

ἀλλʼ ἄγε νῦν μοι πάντες ὀμόσσατε καρτερὸν ὅρκον,

With your strengths crush me. Do then right, and lay

μή τις ἐπʼ Ἴρῳ ἦρα φέρων ἐμὲ χειρὶ βαρείῃ

Your honours on it in your oaths, to yield

πλήξῃ ἀτασθάλλων, τούτῳ δέ με ἶφι δαμάσσῃ.

His part no aid, but equal leave the field."

ὣς ἔφαθʼ, οἱ δʼ ἄρα πάντες ἀπώμνυον ὡς ἐκέλευεν.

All swore his will. But then Telemachus

αὐτὰρ ἐπεί ῥʼ ὄμοσάν τε τελεύτησάν τε τὸν ὅρκον,

His father's scoffs with comforts serious

τοῖς δʼ αὖτις μετέειφʼ ἱερὴ ἲς Τηλεμάχοιο·

Could not but answer, and made this reply:

ξεῖνʼ, εἴ σʼ ὀτρύνει κραδίη καὶ θυμὸς ἀγήνωρ

"Guest! If thine own pow'rs cheer thy victory,

τοῦτον ἀλέξασθαι, τῶν δʼ ἄλλων μή τινʼ Ἀχαιῶν

Fear no man's else that will not pass it free.

δείδιθʼ, ἐπεὶ πλεόνεσσι μαχήσεται ὅς κέ σε θείνῃ·

He fights with many that shall touch but thee.

ξεινοδόκος μὲν ἐγών, ἐπὶ δʼ αἰνεῖτον βασιλῆες,

I'll see thy guest-right paid. Thou here art come

Ἀντίνοός τε καὶ Εὐρύμαχος, πεπνυμένω ἄμφω.

In my protection; and to this the sum

ὣς ἔφαθʼ, οἱ δʼ ἄρα πάντες ἐπῄνεον· αὐτὰρ Ὀδυσσεὺς

Of all these Wooers (which Antinous are

ζώσατο μὲν ῥάκεσιν περὶ μήδεα, φαῖνε δὲ μηροὺς

And King Eurymachus) conjoin their care."

καλούς τε μεγάλους τε, φάνεν δέ οἱ εὐρέες ὦμοι

Both vow'd it. When Ulysses, laying by

στήθεά τε στιβαροί τε βραχίονες· αὐτὰρ Ἀθήνη

His upper weed, his inner beggary

ἄγχι παρισταμένη μέλεʼ ἤλδανε ποιμένι λαῶν.

Near show'd his shame, which he with rags prevented

μνηστῆρες δʼ ἄρα πάντες ὑπερφιάλως ἀγάσαντο·

Pluck'd from about his thighs, and so presented

ὧδε δέ τις εἴπεσκεν ἰδὼν ἐς πλησίον ἄλλον·

Their goodly sight, which were so white and great,

ἦ τάχα Ἶρος Ἄϊρος ἐπίσπαστον κακὸν ἕξει,

And his large shoulders were to view so set

οἵην ἐκ ῥακέων ὁ γέρων ἐπιγουνίδα φαίνει.

By his bare rags, his arms, his breast, and all,

ὣς ἄρʼ ἔφαν, Ἴρῳ δὲ κακῶς ὠρίνετο θυμός.

So broad, and brawny—their grace natural

ἀλλὰ καὶ ὣς δρηστῆρες ἄγον ζώσαντες ἀνάγκῃ

Being kept by Pallas, ever standing near—

δειδιότα· σάρκες δὲ περιτρομέοντο μέλεσσιν.

That all the Wooers his admirers were

Ἀντίνοος δʼ ἐνένιπεν ἔπος τʼ ἔφατʼ ἔκ τʼ ὀνόμαζεν·

Beyond all measure, mutual whispers driv'n

νῦν μὲν μήτʼ εἴης, βουγάϊε, μήτε γένοιο,

Through all their cluster, saying: "Sure as heav'n

εἰ δὴ τοῦτόν γε τρομέεις καὶ δείδιας αἰνῶς,

Poor Irus pull'd upon him bitter blows.

ἄνδρα γέροντα, δύῃ ἀρημένον, ἥ μιν ἱκάνει.

Through his thin garment what a thigh he shows!"

ἀλλʼ ἔκ τοι ἐρέω, τὸ δὲ καὶ τετελεσμένον ἔσται·

They said; but Irus felt. His coward mind

αἴ κέν σʼ οὗτος νικήσῃ κρείσσων τε γένηται,

Was mov'd at root. But now he needs must find

πέμψω σʼ ἤπειρόνδε, βαλὼν ἐν νηὶ μελαίνῃ,

Facts to his brags; and forth at all parts fit

εἰς Ἔχετον βασιλῆα, βροτῶν δηλήμονα πάντων,

The servants brought him, all his art'ries smit

ὅς κʼ ἀπὸ ῥῖνα τάμῃσι καὶ οὔατα νηλέϊ χαλκῷ,

With fears and tremblings. Which Antinous saw,

μήδεά τʼ ἐξερύσας δώῃ κυσὶν ὠμὰ δάσασθαι.

And said: "Nay, now too late comes fear. No law

ὣς φάτο, τῷ δʼ ἔτι μᾶλλον ὑπὸ τρόμος ἔλλαβε γυῖα.

Thou shouldst at first have giv'n thy braggart vein,

ἐς μέσσον δʼ ἄναγον· τὼ δʼ ἄμφω χεῖρας ἀνέσχον.

Nor should it so have swell'd, if terrors strain

δὴ τότε μερμήριξε πολύτλας δῖος Ὀδυσσεὺς

Thy spirits to this pass, for a man so old,

ἢ ἐλάσειʼ ὥς μιν ψυχὴ λίποι αὖθι πεσόντα,

And worn with penuries that still lay hold

ἦέ μιν ἦκʼ ἐλάσειε τανύσσειέν τʼ ἐπὶ γαίῃ.

On his ragg'd person. Howsoever, take

ὧδε δέ οἱ φρονέοντι δοάσσατο κέρδιον εἶναι,

This vow from me for firm: That if, he make

ἦκʼ ἐλάσαι, ἵνα μή μιν ἐπιφρασσαίατʼ Ἀχαιοί.

Thy forces stoop, and prove his own supreme,

δὴ τότʼ ἀνασχομένω ὁ μὲν ἤλασε δεξιὸν ὦμον

I'll put thee in a ship, and down the stream

Ἶρος, ὁ δʼ αὐχένʼ ἔλασσεν ὑπʼ οὔατος, ὀστέα δʼ εἴσω

Send thee ashore where King Echetus reigns,

ἔθλασεν· αὐτίκα δʼ ἦλθε κατὰ στόμα φοίνιον αἷμα,

(The roughest tyrant that the world contains)

κὰδ δʼ ἔπεσʼ ἐν κονίῃσι μακών, σὺν δʼ ἤλασʼ ὀδόντας

And he will slit thy nostrils, crop each ear,

λακτίζων ποσὶ γαῖαν· ἀτὰρ μνηστῆρες ἀγαυοὶ

Thy shame cut off, and give it dogs to tear."

χεῖρας ἀνασχόμενοι γέλῳ ἔκθανον. αὐτὰρ Ὀδυσσεὺς

This shook his nerves the more. But both were now

ἕλκε διὲκ προθύροιο λαβὼν ποδός, ὄφρʼ ἵκετʼ αὐλήν,

Brought to the lists; and up did either throw

αἰθούσης τε θύρας· καί μιν ποτὶ ἑρκίον αὐλῆς

His heavy fists. Ulysses, in suspense

εἷσεν ἀνακλίνας· σκῆπτρον δέ οἱ ἔμβαλε χειρί,

To strike so home that he should fright from thence

καί μιν φωνήσας ἔπεα πτερόεντα προσηύδα·

His coward soul, his trunk laid prostrate there,

ἐνταυθοῖ νῦν ἧσο σύας τε κύνας τʼ ἀπερύκων,

Or let him take more leisure to his fear,

μηδὲ σύ γε ξείνων καὶ πτωχῶν κοίρανος εἶναι

And stoop him by degrees. The last show'd best,

λυγρὸς ἐών, μή πού τι κακὸν καὶ μεῖζον ἐπαύρῃ.

To strike him slightly, out of fear the rest

Would else discover him. But, peace now broke,

On his right shoulder Irus laid his stroke.

Ulysses struck him just beneath the ear,

His jawbone broke, and made the blood appear;

When straight he strew'd the dust, and made his cry

Stand for himself; with whom his teeth did lie,

Spit with his blood out; and against the ground

His heels lay sprawling. Up the hands went round

Of all the Wooers, all at point to die

With violent laughters. Then the king did ply

The beggar's feet, and dragg'd him forth the hall,

Along the entry, to the gates and wall;

Where leaving him, he put into his hand

A staff; and bade him there use his command

On swine and dogs, and not presume to be

Lord of the guests, or of the beggary,

Since he of all men was the scum and curse;

And so bade please with that, or fare yet worse.

Then cast he on his scrip, all-patch'd and rent,

Hung by a rotten cord, and back he went

To greet the entry's threshold with his seat.

The Wooers throng'd to him, and did entreat

ἦ ῥα καὶ ἀμφʼ ὤμοισιν ἀεικέα βάλλετο πήρην,

With gentle words his conquest, laughing still,

πυκνὰ ῥωγαλέην· ἐν δὲ στρόφος ἦεν ἀορτήρ.

Pray'd Jove and all the Gods to give his will

ἂψ δʼ ὅ γʼ ἐπʼ οὐδὸν ἰὼν κατʼ ἄρʼ ἕζετο· τοὶ δʼ ἴσαν εἴσω

What most it wish'd him and would joy him most,

ἡδὺ γελώοντες καὶ δεικανόωντʼ ἐπέεσσι·

Since he so happily had clear'd their coast

Ζεύς τοι δοίη, ξεῖνε, καὶ ἀθάνατοι θεοὶ ἄλλοι,

Of that unsavoury morsel; whom they vow'd

ὅττι μάλιστʼ ἐθέλεις καί τοι φίλον ἔπλετο θυμῷ,

To see with all their utmost haste bestow'd

ὃς τοῦτον τὸν ἄναλτον ἀλητεύειν ἀπέπαυσας

Aboard a ship, and for Epirus sent

ἐν δήμῳ· τάχα γάρ μιν ἀνάξομεν ἤπειρόνδε

To King Echetus, on whose throne was spent

εἰς Ἔχετον βασιλῆα, βροτῶν δηλήμονα πάντων.

The worst man's seat that breath'd. And thus was grac'd

ὣς ἄρʼ ἔφαν, χαῖρεν δὲ κλεηδόνι δῖος Ὀδυσσεύς.

Divine Ulysses, who with joy embrac'd

Ἀντίνοος δʼ ἄρα οἱ μεγάλην παρὰ γαστέρα θῆκεν,

Ev'n that poor conquest. Then was set to him

ἐμπλείην κνίσης τε καὶ αἵματος· Ἀμφίνομος δὲ

The goodly goat's breast promis'd (that did swim

ἄρτους ἐκ κανέοιο δύω παρέθηκεν ἀείρας

In fat and gravy) by Antinous,

καὶ δέπαϊ χρυσέῳ δειδίσκετο, φώνησέν τε·

And from a basket, by Amphinomus,

χαῖρε, πάτερ ὦ ξεῖνε, γένοιτό τοι ἔς περ ὀπίσσω

Were two breads giv'n him; who, besides, renown'd

ὄλβος· ἀτὰρ μὲν νῦν γε κακοῖς ἔχεαι πολέεσσι.

His banquet with a golden goblet; crown'd,

τὸν δʼ ἀπαμειβόμενος προσέφη πολύμητις Ὀδυσσεύς·

And this high salutation: "Frolic, guest,

Ἀμφίνομʼ, ἦ μάλα μοι δοκέεις πεπνυμένος εἶναι·

And be those riches that you first possest

τοίου γὰρ καὶ πατρός, ἐπεὶ κλέος ἐσθλὸν ἄκουον,

Restor'd again with full as many joys,

Νῖσον Δουλιχιῆα ἐΰν τʼ ἔμεν ἀφνειόν τε·

As in your poor state I see now annoys."

τοῦ σʼ ἔκ φασι γενέσθαι, ἐπητῇ δʼ ἀνδρὶ ἔοικας.

"Amphinomus," said he, "you seem to me

τοὔνεκά τοι ἐρέω, σὺ δὲ σύνθεο καί μευ ἄκουσον·

Exceeding wise, as being the progeny

οὐδὲν ἀκιδνότερον γαῖα τρέφει ἀνθρώποιο,

Of such a father as authentic Fame

πάντων ὅσσα τε γαῖαν ἔπι πνείει τε καὶ ἕρπει.

Hath told me was so, one of honour'd name,

οὐ μὲν γάρ ποτέ φησι κακὸν πείσεσθαι ὀπίσσω,

And great revenues in Dulichius,

ὄφρʼ ἀρετὴν παρέχωσι θεοὶ καὶ γούνατʼ ὀρώρῃ·

His fair name Nisus. He is blazon'd thus;

ἀλλʼ ὅτε δὴ καὶ λυγρὰ θεοὶ μάκαρες τελέσωσι,

And you to be his son, his wisdom heiring,

καὶ τὰ φέρει ἀεκαζόμενος τετληότι θυμῷ·

As well as wealth, his state in nought impairing.

τοῖος γὰρ νόος ἐστὶν ἐπιχθονίων ἀνθρώπων

To prove which always, let me tell you this,

οἷον ἐπʼ ἦμαρ ἄγησι πατὴρ ἀνδρῶν τε θεῶν τε.

(As warning you to shun the miseries

καὶ γὰρ ἐγώ ποτʼ ἔμελλον ἐν ἀνδράσιν ὄλβιος εἶναι,

That follow full states, if they be not held

πολλὰ δʼ ἀτάσθαλʼ ἔρεξα βίῃ καὶ κάρτεϊ εἴκων,

With wisdom still at full, and so compell'd

πατρί τʼ ἐμῷ πίσυνος καὶ ἐμοῖσι κασιγνήτοισι.

To courses that abode not in their brows,

τῷ μή τίς ποτε πάμπαν ἀνὴρ ἀθεμίστιος εἴη,

By too much swing, their sudden overthrows)

ἀλλʼ ὅ γε σιγῇ δῶρα θεῶν ἔχοι, ὅττι διδοῖεν.

Of all things breathing, or that creep on earth,

οἷʼ ὁρόω μνηστῆρας ἀτάσθαλα μηχανόωντας,

Nought is more wretched than a human birth.

κτήματα κείροντας καὶ ἀτιμάζοντας ἄκοιτιν

Bless'd men think never they can cursed be,

ἀνδρός, ὃν οὐκέτι φημὶ φίλων καὶ πατρίδος αἴης

While any power lasts to move a knee.

δηρὸν ἀπέσσεσθαι· μάλα δὲ σχεδόν. ἀλλά σε δαίμων

But when the bless'd Gods make them feel that smart,

οἴκαδʼ ὑπεξαγάγοι, μηδʼ ἀντιάσειας ἐκείνῳ,

That fled their faith so, as they had no heart

ὁππότε νοστήσειε φίλην ἐς πατρίδα γαῖαν·

They bear their suff'rings, and, what well they might

οὐ γὰρ ἀναιμωτί γε διακρινέεσθαι ὀΐω

Have clearly shunn'd, they then meet in despite.

μνηστῆρας καὶ κεῖνον, ἐπεί κε μέλαθρον ὑπέλθῃ.

The mind of man flies still out of his way,

ὣς φάτο, καὶ σπείσας ἔπιεν μελιηδέα οἶνον,

Unless God guide and prompt it ev'ry day.

ἂψ δʼ ἐν χερσὶν ἔθηκε δέπας κοσμήτορι λαῶν.

I thought me once a blesséd man with men.

αὐτὰρ ὁ βῆ διὰ δῶμα φίλον τετιημένος ἦτορ,

And fashion'd me to all so counted then,

νευστάζων κεφαλῇ· δὴ γὰρ κακὸν ὄσσετο θυμός.

Did all injustice like them, what for lust,

ἀλλʼ οὐδʼ ὣς φύγε κῆρα· πέδησε δὲ καὶ τὸν Ἀθήνη

Or any pleasure, never so unjust

Τηλεμάχου ὑπὸ χερσὶ καὶ ἔγχεϊ ἶφι δαμῆναι.

I could by pow'r or violence obtain,

ἂψ δʼ αὖτις κατʼ ἄρʼ ἕζετʼ ἐπὶ θρόνου ἔνθεν ἀνέστη.

And gave them both in all their pow'rs the rein,

τῇ δʼ ἄρʼ ἐπὶ φρεσὶ θῆκε θεὰ γλαυκῶπις Ἀθήνη,

Bold of my fathers and my brothers still;

κούρῃ Ἰκαρίοιο, περίφρονι Πηνελοπείῃ,

While which held good my arts seem'd never ill.

μνηστήρεσσι φανῆναι, ὅπως πετάσειε μάλιστα

And thus is none held simply good or bad,

But as his will is either miss'd or had.

All goods God's gifts man calls, howe'er he gets them,

And so takes all; what price soe'er God sets them,

Says nought how ill they come, nor will controul

That ravine in him, though it cost his soul.

And these parts here I see these Wooers play,

Take all that falls, and all dishonours lay

On that man's Queen, that, tell your friends, doth bear

No long time's absence, but is passing near.

Let God then guide thee home, lest he may meet

In his return thy undeparted feet;

For when he enters, and sees men so rude,

The quarrel cannot but in blood conclude."

This said, he sacrific'd, then drunk, and then

Referr'd the giv'n bowl to the guide-of-men;

Who walk'd away, afflicted at his heart,

Shook head, and fear'd that these facts would convert

To ill in th' end; yet had not grace to fly,

Minerva stay'd him, being ordain'd to die

Upon the lance of young Ulyssides.

So down he sat; and then did Pallas please

T' incline the Queen's affections to appear

To all the Wooers, to extend their cheer

θυμὸν μνηστήρων ἰδὲ τιμήεσσα γένοιτο

To th' utmost lightning that still ushers death,

μᾶλλον πρὸς πόσιός τε καὶ υἱέος ἢ πάρος ἦεν.

And made her put on all the painted sheath,

ἀχρεῖον δʼ ἐγέλασσεν ἔπος τʼ ἔφατʼ ἔκ τʼ ὀνόμαζεν·

That might both set her Wooers' fancies high,

Εὐρυνόμη, θυμός μοι ἐέλδεται, οὔ τι πάρος γε,

And get her greater honour in the eye

μνηστήρεσσι φανῆναι, ἀπεχθομένοισί περ ἔμπης·

Ev'n of her son and sov'reign than before.

παιδὶ δέ κεν εἴποιμι ἔπος, τό κε κέρδιον εἴη,

Who laughing yet, to show her humour bore

μὴ πάντα μνηστῆρσιν ὑπερφιάλοισιν ὁμιλεῖν,

No serious appetite to that light show,

οἵ τʼ εὖ μὲν βάζουσι, κακῶς δʼ ὄπιθεν φρονέουσι.

She told Eurynomé, that not till now

τὴν δʼ αὖτʼ Εὐρυνόμη ταμίη πρὸς μῦθον ἔειπεν·

She ever knew her entertain desire

ναὶ δὴ ταῦτά γε πάντα, τέκος, κατὰ μοῖραν ἔειπες.

To please her Wooers' eyes, but oft on fire

ἀλλʼ ἴθι καὶ σῷ παιδὶ ἔπος φάο μηδʼ ἐπίκευθε,

She set their hate, in keeping from them still;

χρῶτʼ ἀπονιψαμένη καὶ ἐπιχρίσασα παρειάς·

Yet now she pleas'd t' appear, though from no will

μηδʼ οὕτω δακρύοισι πεφυρμένη ἀμφὶ πρόσωπα

To do them honour, vowing she would tell

ἔρχευ, ἐπεὶ κάκιον πενθήμεναι ἄκριτον αἰεί.

Her son that of them that should fit him well

ἤδη μὲν γάρ τοι παῖς τηλίκος, ὃν σὺ μάλιστα

To make use of; which was, not to converse

ἠρῶ ἀθανάτοισι γενειήσαντα ἰδέσθαι.

Too freely with their pride, nor to disperse

τὴν δʼ αὖτε προσέειπε περίφρων Πηνελόπεια·

His thoughts amongst them, since they us'd to give

Εὐρυνόμη, μὴ ταῦτα παραύδα, κηδομένη περ,

Good words, but through them ill intents did drive.

χρῶτʼ ἀπονίπτεσθαι καὶ ἐπιχρίεσθαι ἀλοιφῇ·

Eurynomé replied: "With good advise

ἀγλαΐην γὰρ ἐμοί γε θεοί, τοὶ Ὄλυμπον ἔχουσιν,

You vow his counsel, and your open guise.

ὤλεσαν, ἐξ οὗ κεῖνος ἔβη κοίλῃς ἐνὶ νηυσίν.

Go then, advise your son, nor keep more close

ἀλλά μοι Αὐτονόην τε καὶ Ἱπποδάμειαν ἄνωχθι

Your cheeks, still drown'd in your eyes' overflows,

ἐλθέμεν, ὄφρα κέ μοι παρστήετον ἐν μεγάροισιν·

But bathe your body, and with balms make clear

οἴη δʼ οὐκ εἴσειμι μετʼ ἀνέρας· αἰδέομαι γάρ.

Your thicken'd count'nance. Uncomposéd cheer,

ὣς ἄρʼ ἔφη, γρηῢς δὲ διὲκ μεγάροιο βεβήκει

And ever mourning, will the marrow wear.

ἀγγελέουσα γυναιξὶ καὶ ὀτρυνέουσα νέεσθαι.

Nor have you cause to mourn; your son hath now

ἔνθʼ αὖτʼ ἄλλʼ ἐνόησε θεὰ γλαυκῶπις Ἀθήνη·

Put on that virtue which, in chief, your vow

κούρῃ Ἰκαρίοιο κατὰ γλυκὺν ὕπνον ἔχευεν,

Wish'd, as your blessing, at his birth, might deck

εὗδε δʼ ἀνακλινθεῖσα, λύθεν δέ οἱ ἅψεα πάντα

His blood and person." "But forbear to speak

αὐτοῦ ἐνὶ κλιντῆρι· τέως δʼ ἄρα δῖα θεάων

Of baths, or balmings, or of beauty, now,"

ἄμβροτα δῶρα δίδου, ἵνα μιν θησαίατʼ Ἀχαιοί.

The Queen replied, "lest, urging comforts, you

κάλλεϊ μέν οἱ πρῶτα προσώπατα καλὰ κάθηρεν

Discomfort much; because the Gods have won

ἀμβροσίῳ, οἵῳ περ ἐϋστέφανος Κυθέρεια

The spoil of my looks since my lord was gone.

χρίεται, εὖτʼ ἂν ἴῃ Χαρίτων χορὸν ἱμερόεντα·

But these must serve. Call hither then to me

καί μιν μακροτέρην καὶ πάσσονα θῆκεν ἰδέσθαι,

Hippodamia and Autonoé,

λευκοτέρην δʼ ἄρα μιν θῆκε πριστοῦ ἐλέφαντος.

That those our train additions may supply

ἡ μὲν ἄρʼ ὣς ἔρξασʼ ἀπεβήσετο δῖα θεάων,

Our own deserts. And yet, besides, not I,

ἦλθον δʼ ἀμφίπολοι λευκώλενοι ἐκ μεγάροιο

With all my age, have learn'd the boldness yet

φθόγγῳ ἐπερχόμεναι· τὴν δὲ γλυκὺς ὕπνος ἀνῆκε,

T' expose myself to men, unless I get

καί ῥʼ ἀπομόρξατο χερσὶ παρειὰς φώνησέν τε·

Some other gracers." This said, forth she went

ἦ με μάλʼ αἰνοπαθῆ μαλακὸν περὶ κῶμʼ ἐκάλυψεν.

To call the ladies, and much spirit spent

αἴθε μοι ὣς μαλακὸν θάνατον πόροι Ἄρτεμις ἁγνὴ

To make their utmost speed, for now their Queen

αὐτίκα νῦν, ἵνα μηκέτʼ ὀδυρομένη κατὰ θυμὸν

Would both herself show, and make them be seen.

αἰῶνα φθινύθω, πόσιος ποθέουσα φίλοιο

But now Minerva other projects laid,

παντοίην ἀρετήν, ἐπεὶ ἔξοχος ἦεν Ἀχαιῶν.

And through Icarius' daughter's veins convey'd

ὣς φαμένη κατέβαινʼ ὑπερώϊα σιγαλόεντα,

Sweet sleep's desire; in whose soft fumes involv'd

οὐκ οἴη· ἅμα τῇ γε καὶ ἀμφίπολοι δύʼ ἕποντο.

She was as soon as laid, and quite dissolv'd

ἡ δʼ ὅτε δὴ μνηστῆρας ἀφίκετο δῖα γυναικῶν,

Were all her lineaments. The Goddess then

στῆ ῥα παρὰ σταθμὸν τέγεος πύκα ποιητοῖο,

Bestow'd immortal gifts on her, that men

ἄντα παρειάων σχομένη λιπαρὰ κρήδεμνα·

Might wonder at her beauties; and the beams

ἀμφίπολος δʼ ἄρα οἱ κεδνὴ ἑκάτερθε παρέστη.

That glister in the Deified Supremes

τῶν δʼ αὐτοῦ λύτο γούνατʼ, ἔρῳ δʼ ἄρα θυμὸν ἔθελχθεν,

She clear'd her mourning count'nance up withall.

πάντες δʼ ἠρήσαντο παραὶ λεχέεσσι κλιθῆναι.

Ev'n such a radiance as doth round empall

ἡ δʼ αὖ Τηλέμαχον προσεφώνεεν, ὃν φίλον υἱόν·

Crown'd Cytherea, when her order'd places

Conduct the bevy of the dancing Graces,

She added to her own; more plump, more high,

And fairer than the polish'd ivory,

Rend'ring her parts and presence. This grace done,

Away the Deity flew; and up did run

Her lovely-wristed ladies, with a noise

That blew the soft chains from her sleeping joys;

When she her fair eyes wip'd, and, gasping, said:

"O me unblest! How deep a sweet sleep spread

His shades about me! Would Diana pleas'd

To shoot me with a death no more diseas'd,

As soon as might be, that no more my moan

Might waste my blood in weepings never done,

For want of that accomplish'd virtue spher'd

In my lov'd lord, to all the Greeks preferr'd!"

Then she descended with her maids, and took

Place in the portal; whence her beamy look

Reach'd ev'ry Wooer's heart; yet cast she on

So thin a veil, that through it quite there shone

A grace so stol'n, it pleas'd above the clear,

And sunk the knees of ev'ry Wooer there,

Their minds so melted in love's vehement fires,

Τηλέμαχʼ, οὐκέτι τοι φρένες ἔμπεδοι οὐδὲ νόημα·

That to her bed she heighten'd all desires.

παῖς ἔτʼ ἐὼν καὶ μᾶλλον ἐνὶ φρεσὶ κέρδεʼ ἐνώμας·

The prince then coming near, she said: "O son,

νῦν δʼ, ὅτε δὴ μέγας ἐσσὶ καὶ ἥβης μέτρον ἱκάνεις,

Thy thoughts and judgments have not yet put on

καί κέν τις φαίη γόνον ἔμμεναι ὀλβίου ἀνδρός,

That constancy in what becomes their good,

ἐς μέγεθος καὶ κάλλος ὁρώμενος, ἀλλότριος φώς,

Which all expect in thee. Thy younger blood

οὐκέτι τοι φρένες εἰσὶν ἐναίσιμοι οὐδὲ νόημα.

Did sparkle choicer spirits; but, arriv'd

οἷον δὴ τόδε ἔργον ἐνὶ μεγάροισιν ἐτύχθη,

At this full growth, wherein their form hath thriv'd

ὃς τὸν ξεῖνον ἔασας ἀεικισθήμεναι οὕτως.

Beyond the bounds of childhood, and when now,

πῶς νῦν, εἴ τι ξεῖνος ἐν ἡμετέροισι δόμοισιν

Beholders should affirm, 'This man doth grow

ἥμενος ὧδε πάθοι ῥυστακτύος ἐξ ἀλεγεινῆς;

Like the rare son of his matchless Sire,

σοί κʼ αἶσχος λώβη τε μετʼ ἀνθρώποισι πέλοιτο.

(His goodliness, his beauty, and his fire

τὴν δʼ αὖ Τηλέμαχος πεπνυμένος ἀντίον ηὔδα·

Of soul aspir'd to)' thou mak'st nothing good

μῆτερ ἐμή, τὸ μὲν οὔ σε νεμεσσῶμαι κεχολῶσθαι·

Thy fate, nor fortune, nor thy height of blood,

αὐτὰρ ἐγὼ θυμῷ νοέω καὶ οἶδα ἕκαστα,

In manage of thy actions. What a deed

ἐσθλά τε καὶ τὰ χέρεια· πάρος δʼ ἔτι νήπιος ἦα.

Of foul desert hath thy gross suff'rance freed

ἀλλά τοι οὐ δύναμαι πεπνυμένα πάντα νοῆσαι·

Beneath thine own roof! A poor stranger here

ἐκ γάρ με πλήσσουσι παρήμενοι ἄλλοθεν ἄλλος

Us'd most unmanly! How will this appear

οἵδε κακὰ φρονέοντες, ἐμοὶ δʼ οὐκ εἰσὶν ἀρωγοί.

To all the world, when Fame shall trumpet out,

οὐ μέν τοι ξείνου γε καὶ Ἴρου μῶλος ἐτύχθη

That thus, and thus, are our guests beat about

μνηστήρων ἰότητι, βίῃ δʼ ὅ γε φέρτερος ἦεν.

Our court unrighted? 'Tis a blaze will show

αἲ γάρ, Ζεῦ τε πάτερ καὶ Ἀθηναίη καὶ Ἄπολλον,

Extremely shameful to your name and you."

οὕτω νῦν μνηστῆρες ἐν ἡμετέροισι δόμοισι

"I blame you not, O mother," he replied,

νεύοιεν κεφαλὰς δεδμημένοι, οἱ μὲν ἐν αὐλῇ,

"That, this clear wrong sustain'd by me, you chide;

οἱ δʼ ἔντοσθε δόμοιο, λελῦτο δὲ γυῖα ἑκάστου,

Yet know I both the good and bad of all,

ὡς νῦν Ἶρος κεῖνος ἐπʼ αὐλείῃσι θύρῃσιν

Being past the years in which young errors fall.

ἧσται νευστάζων κεφαλῇ, μεθύοντι ἐοικώς,

But, all this known, skill is not so exact

οὐδʼ ὀρθὸς στῆναι δύναται ποσὶν οὐδὲ νέεσθαι

To give, when once it knows, things fit their fact.

οἴκαδʼ, ὅπη οἱ νόστος, ἐπεὶ φίλα γυῖα λέλυνται.

I well may doubt the prease of strangers here,

ὣς οἱ μὲν τοιαῦτα πρὸς ἀλλήλους ἀγόρευον·

Who, bent to ill, and only my nerves near,

Εὐρύμαχος δʼ ἐπέεσσι προσηύδα Πηνελόπειαν·

May do it in despite. And yet the jar

κούρη Ἰκαρίοιο, περίφρον Πηνελόπεια,

Betwixt our guest and Irus was no war

εἰ πάντες σε ἴδοιεν ἀνʼ Ἴασον Ἄργος Ἀχαιοί,

Wrought by the Wooers; nor our guest sustain'd

πλέονές κε μνηστῆρες ἐν ὑμετέροισι δόμοισιν

Wrong in that action, but the conquest gain'd.

ἠῶθεν δαινύατʼ, ἐπεὶ περίεσσι γυναικῶν

And would to Jove, Minerva, and the Sun,

εἶδός τε μέγεθός τε ἰδὲ φρένας ἔνδον ἐΐσας.

That all your Wooers might serve Contention

τὸν δʼ ἠμείβετʼ ἔπειτα περίφρων Πηνελόπεια·

For such a purchase as the beggar made,

Εὐρύμαχʼ, ἦ τοι ἐμὴν ἀρετὴν εἶδός τε δέμας τε

And wore such weak heads! Some should death invade,

ὤλεσαν ἀθάνατοι, ὅτε Ἴλιον εἰσανέβαινον

Strew'd in the entry, some embrue the hall,

Ἀργεῖοι, μετὰ τοῖσι δʼ ἐμὸς πόσις ᾖεν Ὀδυσσεύς.

Till ev'ry man had vengeance capital,

εἰ κεῖνός γʼ ἐλθὼν τὸν ἐμὸν βίον ἀμφιπολεύοι,

Sattled like Irus at the gates, his head

μεῖζόν κε κλέος εἴη ἐμὸν καὶ κάλλιον οὕτως.

Ev'ry way nodding, like one forfeited

νῦν δʼ ἄχομαι· τόσα γάρ μοι ἐπέσσευεν κακὰ δαίμων.

To reeling Bacchus, knees nor feet his own,

ἦ μὲν δὴ ὅτε τʼ ᾖε λιπὼν κάτα πατρίδα γαῖαν,

To bear him where he's better lov'd or known."

δεξιτερὴν ἐπὶ καρπῷ ἑλὼν ἐμὲ χεῖρα προσηύδα·

Their speeches giv'n this end, Eurymachus

ὦ γύναι, οὐ γὰρ ὀΐω ἐϋκνήμιδας Ἀχαιοὺς

Began his courtship, and express'd it thus:

ἐκ Τροίης εὖ πάντας ἀπήμονας ἀπονέεσθαι·

"Most wise Icarius' daughter! If all those,

καὶ γὰρ Τρῶάς φασι μαχητὰς ἔμμεναι ἄνδρας,

That did for Colchos vent'rous sail dispose

ἠμὲν ἀκοντιστὰς ἠδὲ ῥυτῆρας ὀϊστῶν

For that rich purchase, had before but seen

ἵππων τʼ ὠκυπόδων ἐπιβήτορας, οἵ κε τάχιστα

Earth's richer prize in th' Ithacensian Queen,

ἔκριναν μέγα νεῖκος ὁμοιΐου πολέμοιο.

They had not made that voyage, but to you

τῷ οὐκ οἶδʼ ἤ κέν μʼ ἀνέσει θεός, ἦ κεν ἁλώω

Would all their virtues and their beings vow.

αὐτοῦ ἐνὶ Τροίῃ· σοὶ δʼ ἐνθάδε πάντα μελόντων.

Should all the world know what a worth you store,

μεμνῆσθαι πατρὸς καὶ μητέρος ἐν μεγάροισιν

To-morrow than to-day, and next light, more

Your court should banquet; since to all dames you

Are far preferr'd, both for the grace of show,

In stature, beauty, form in ev'ry kind

Of all parts outward, and for faultless mind."

"Alas," said she, "my virtue, body, form,

The Gods have blasted with that only storm

That ravish'd Greece to Ilion, since my lord,

For that war shipp'd, bore all my goods aboard.

If he, return'd, should come and govern here

My life's whole state, the grace of all things there

His guide would heighten, as the spirit it bore;

Which dead in me lives, giv'n him long before.

A sad course I live now; Heav'n's stern decree

With many an ill hath numb'd and deaded me.

He took life with him, when he took my hand

In parting from me to the Trojan strand,

These words my witness: 'Woman! I conceive

That not all th' Achives bound for Troy shall leave

Their native earth their safe returnéd bones,

Fame saying, that Troy trains up approvéd sons

In deeds of arms, brave putters-off of shafts,

For winging lances masters of their crafts,

Unmatchéd riders, swift of foot, and straight

ὡς νῦν, ἢ ἔτι μᾶλλον ἐμεῦ ἀπονόσφιν ἐόντος·

Can arbitrate a war of deadliest weight.

αὐτὰρ ἐπὴν δὴ παῖδα γενειήσαντα ἴδηαι,

Hope then can scarce fill all with life's supply,

γήμασθʼ ᾧ κʼ ἐθέλῃσθα, τεὸν κατὰ δῶμα λιποῦσα.

And of all any failing, why not I?

κεῖνος τὼς ἀγόρευε· τὰ δὴ νῦν πάντα τελεῖται.

Nor do I know, if God hath marshall'd me

νὺξ δʼ ἔσται ὅτε δὴ στυγερὸς γάμος ἀντιβολήσει

Amongst the safe-return'd; or his decree

οὐλομένης ἐμέθεν, τῆς τε Ζεὺς ὄλβον ἀπηύρα.

Hath left me to the thraldom order'd there.

ἀλλὰ τόδʼ αἰνὸν ἄχος κραδίην καὶ θυμὸν ἱκάνει·

However, all cares be thy burthens here,

μνηστήρων οὐχ ἥδε δίκη τὸ πάροιθε τέτυκτο·

My sire and mother tend as much as now,

οἵ τʼ ἀγαθήν τε γυναῖκα καὶ ἀφνειοῖο θύγατρα

I further off, more near in cares be you.

μνηστεύειν ἐθέλωσι καὶ ἀλλήλοις ἐρίσωσιν,

Your son to man's state grown, wed whom you will;

αὐτοὶ τοί γʼ ἀπάγουσι βόας καὶ ἴφια μῆλα,

And, you gone, his care let his household fill.'

κούρης δαῖτα φίλοισι, καὶ ἀγλαὰ δῶρα διδοῦσιν·

Thus made my lord his will, which Heav'n sees prov'd

ἀλλʼ οὐκ ἀλλότριον βίοτον νήποινον ἔδουσιν.

Almost at all parts; for the Sun remov'd

ὣς φάτο, γήθησεν δὲ πολύτλας δῖος Ὀδυσσεύς,

Down to his set, ere long, will lead the night

οὕνεκα τῶν μὲν δῶρα παρέλκετο, θέλγε δὲ θυμὸν

Of those abhorréd nuptials, that should fright

μειλιχίοις ἐπέεσσι, νόος δέ οἱ ἄλλα μενοίνα.

Each worthy woman, which her second are

τὴν δʼ αὖτʼ Ἀντίνοος προσέφη, Εὐπείθεος υἱός,

With any man that breathes, her first lord's care

κούρη Ἰκαρίοιο, περίφρον Πηνελόπεια,

Dead, because he to flesh and blood is dead;

δῶρα μὲν ὅς κʼ ἐθέλῃσιν Ἀχαιῶν ἐνθάδʼ ἐνεῖκαι,

Which, I fear, I shall yield to, and so wed

δέξασθʼ. οὐ γὰρ καλὸν ἀνήνασθαι δόσιν ἐστίν·

A second husband; and my reason is,

ἡμεῖς δʼ οὔτʼ ἐπὶ ἔργα πάρος γʼ ἴμεν οὔτε πῃ ἄλλῃ,

Since Jove hath taken from me all his bliss.

πρίν γέ σε τῷ γήμασθαι Ἀχαιῶν ὅς τις ἄριστος.

Whom God gives over they themselves forsake,

ὣς ἔφατʼ Ἀντίνοος, τοῖσιν δʼ ἐπιήνδανε μῦθος·

Their griefs their joys, their God their devil, make.

δῶρα δʼ ἄρʼ οἰσέμεναι πρόεσαν κήρυκα ἕκαστος.

And 'tis a great grief, nor was seen till now

Ἀντινόῳ μὲν ἔνεικε μέγαν περικαλλέα πέπλον,

In any fashion of such men as woo

ποικίλον· ἐν δʼ ἀρʼ ἔσαν περόναι δυοκαίδεκα πᾶσαι

A good and wealthy woman, and contend

χρύσειαι, κληῗσιν ἐϋγνάμπτοις ἀραρυῖαι.

Who shall obtain her, that those men should spend

ὅρμον δʼ Εὐρυμάχῳ πολυδαίδαλον αὐτίκʼ ἔνεικε.

Her beeves and best sheep, as their chiefest ends,

χρύσεον, ἠλέκτροισιν ἐερμένον ἠέλιον ὥς.

But rather that herself and all her friends

ἕρματα δʼ Εὐρυδάμαντι δύω θεράποντες ἔνεικαν,

They should with banquets and rich gifts entreat.

τρίγληνα μορόεντα· χάρις δʼ ἀπελάμπετο πολλή.

Their life is death that live with other's meat."

ἐκ δʼ ἄρα Πεισάνδροιο Πολυκτορίδαο ἄνακτος

Divine Ulysses much rejoic'd to hear

ἴσθμιον ἤνεικεν θεράπων, περικαλλὲς ἄγαλμα.

His Queen thus fish for gifts, and keep in cheer.

ἄλλο δʼ ἄρʼ ἄλλος δῶρον Ἀχαιῶν καλὸν ἔνεικεν.

Their hearts with hope that she would wed again,

ἡ μὲν ἔπειτʼ ἀνέβαινʼ ὑπερώϊα δῖα γυναικῶν,

Her mind yet still her first intent retain.

τῇ δʼ ἄρʼ ἅμʼ ἀμφίπολοι ἔφερον περικαλλέα δῶρα

Antinous saw the Wooers won to give,

οἱ δʼ εἰς ὀρχηστύν τε καὶ ἱμερόεσσαν ἀοιδὴν

And said: "Wise Queen, by all your means receive

τρεψάμενοι τέρποντο, μένον δʼ ἐπὶ ἕσπερον ἐλθεῖν.

Whatever bounty any Wooer shall use.

τοῖσι δὲ τερπομένοισι μέλας ἐπὶ ἕσπερος ἦλθεν.

Gifts freely giv'n 'tis folly to refuse.

αὐτίκα λαμπτῆρας τρεῖς ἵστασαν ἐν μεγάροισιν,

For know, that we resolve not to be gone

ὄφρα φαείνοιεν· περὶ δὲ ξύλα κάγκανα θῆκαν,

To keep our own roofs, till of all some one,

αὖα πάλαι, περίκηλα, νέον κεκεασμένα χαλκῷ,

Whom best you like, your long-woo'd love shall win."

καὶ δαΐδας μετέμισγον· ἀμοιβηδὶς δʼ ἀνέφαινον

This pleas'd the rest, and ev'ry one sent in

δμῳαὶ Ὀδυσσῆος ταλασίφρονος. αὐτὰρ ὁ τῇσιν

His present by the herald. First had place

αὐτὸς διογενῆς μετέφη πολύμητις Ὀδυσσεύς·

Antinous' gift: A robe of special grace,

δμῳαὶ Ὀδυσσῆος, δὴν οἰχομένοιο ἄνακτος,

Exceeding full and fair, and twenty hues

ἔρχεσθε πρὸς δώμαθʼ, ἵνʼ αἰδοίη βασίλεια·

Chang'd lustre to it; to which choice of shows,

τῇ δὲ παρʼ ἠλάκατα στροφαλίζετε, τέρπετε δʼ αὐτὴν

Twelve massy plated buttons, all of gold,

ἥμεναι ἐν μεγάρῳ, ἢ εἴρια πείκετε χερσίν·

Enrich'd the substance, made to fairly hold

αὐτὰρ ἐγὼ τούτοισι φάος πάντεσσι παρέξω.

The robe together, all lac'd down before,

ἤν περ γάρ κʼ ἐθέλωσιν ἐΰθρονον Ἠῶ μίμνειν,

Where keeps and catches both sides of it wore.

οὔ τί με νικήσουσι· πολυτλήμων δὲ μάλʼ εἰμί.

Eurymachus a golden tablet gave,

ὣς ἔφαθʼ, αἱ δʼ ἐγέλασσαν, ἐς ἀλλήλας δὲ ἴδοντο.

In which did Art her choicest works engrave;

τὸν δʼ αἰσχρῶς ἐνένιπε Μελανθὼ καλλιπάρῃος,

And round about an amber verge did run,

That cast a radiance from it like the Sun.

Eurydamas two servants had that bore

Two goodly earrings, whose rich hollows wore

Three pearls in either, like so many eyes,

Reflecting glances radiant as the skies.

The king Pisander, great Polyctor's heir,

A casket gave, exceeding rich and fair.

The other other wealthy gifts commended

To her fair hand; which took, and straight ascended

This Goddess of her sex her upper state.

Her ladies all her gifts elaborate

Up bearing after. All to dancing then

The Wooers went, and song's delightful strain;

In which they frolick'd, till the evening came,

And then rais'd sable Hesperus his flame.

When, for their lights within, they set up there

Three lamps, whose wicks were wood exceeding sere,

And passing porous; which they caus'd to burn,

Their matter ever minister'd by turn

Of sev'ral handmaids. Whom Ulysses seeing

Too conversant with Wooers, ill-agreeing

With guise of maids, advis'd in this fair sort:

τὴν Δολίος μὲν ἔτικτε, κόμισσε δὲ Πηνελόπεια,

"Maids of your long-lack'd King, keep you the port

παῖδα δὲ ὣς ἀτίταλλε, δίδου δʼ ἄρʼ ἀθύρματα θυμῷ·

Your Queen's chaste presence bears. Go up to her,

ἀλλʼ οὐδʼ ὣς ἔχε πένθος ἐνὶ φρεσὶ Πηνελοπείης,

Employ your looms, or rocks, and keep ye there;

ἀλλʼ ἥ γʼ Εὐρυμάχῳ μισγέσκετο καὶ φιλέεσκεν.

I'll serve to feed these lamps, should these lords' dances

ἥ ῥʼ Ὀδυσῆʼ ἐνένιπεν ὀνειδείοις ἐπέεσσιν·

Last till Aurora cheer'd us with their glances.

ξεῖνε τάλαν, σύ γέ τις φρένας ἐκπεπαταγμένος ἐσσί,

They cannot weary me, for I am one

οὐδʼ ἐθέλεις εὕδειν χαλκήϊον ἐς δόμον ἐλθών,

Born to endure when all men else have done."

ἠέ που ἐς λέσχην, ἀλλʼ ἐνθάδε πόλλʼ ἀγορεύεις,

They wantonly brake out in laughters all,

θαρσαλέως πολλοῖσι μετʼ ἀνδράσιν, οὐδέ τι θυμῷ

Look'd on each other; and to terms did fall

ταρβεῖς· ἦ ῥά σε οἶνος ἔχει φρένας, ἤ νύ τοι αἰεὶ

Cheek-proud Melantho, who was Dolius' seed,

τοιοῦτος νόος ἐστίν· ὃ καὶ μεταμώνια βάζεις.

Kept by the Queen, that gave her dainty bread

ἦ ἀλύεις, ὅτι Ἶρον ἐνίκησας τὸν ἀλήτην;

Fit for her daughter; and yet won not so

μή τίς τοι τάχα Ἴρου ἀμείνων ἄλλος ἀναστῇ,

Her heart to her to share in any woe

ὅς τίς σʼ ἀμφὶ κάρη κεκοπὼς χερσὶ στιβαρῇσι

She suffer'd for her lord, but she was great

δώματος ἐκπέμψῃσι, φορύξας αἵματι πολλῷ.

With great Eurymachus, and her love's heat

τὴν δʼ ἄρʼ ὑπόδρα ἰδὼν προσέφη πολύμητις Ὀδυσσεύς·

In his bed quench'd. And this choleric thing

ἦ τάχα Τηλεμάχῳ ἐρέω, κύον, οἷʼ ἀγορεύεις,

Bestow'd this railing language on the King:

κεῖσʼ ἐλθών, ἵνα σʼ αὖθι διὰ μελεϊστὶ τάμῃσιν.

"Base stranger, you are taken in your brain,

ὣς εἰπὼν ἐπέεσσι διεπτοίησε γυναῖκας.

You talk so wildly. Never you again

βὰν δʼ ἴμεναι διὰ δῶμα, λύθεν δʼ ὑπὸ γυῖα ἑκάστης

Can get where you were born, and seek your bed

ταρβοσύνῃ· φὰν γάρ μιν ἀληθέα μυθήσασθαι.

In some smith's hovel, or the marketsted,

αὐτὰρ ὁ πὰρ λαμπτῆρσι φαείνων αἰθομένοισιν

But here you must take confidence to prate

ἑστήκειν ἐς πάντας ὁρώμενος· ἄλλα δέ οἱ κῆρ

Before all these; for fear can get no state

ὥρμαινε φρεσὶν ᾗσιν, ἅ ῥʼ οὐκ ἀτέλεστα γένοντο.

In your wine-hardy stomach. Or 'tis like

μνηστῆρας δʼ οὐ πάμπαν ἀγήνορας εἴα Ἀθήνη

To prove your native garb, your tongue will strike

λώβης ἴσχεσθαι θυμαλγέος, ὄφρʼ ἔτι μᾶλλον

On this side of your mouth still, being at best.

δύη ἄχος κραδίην Λαερτιάδεω Ὀδυσῆος.

Is the man idle-brain'd for want of rest?

τοῖσιν δʼ Εὐρύμαχος, Πολύβου πάϊς, ἦρχʼ ἀγορεύειν,

Or proud because he beat the roguish beggar?

κερτομέων Ὀδυσῆα· γέλω δʼ ἑτάροισιν ἔτευχε.

Take heed, Sir, lest some better man beleager

κέκλυτέ μευ, μνηστῆρες ἀγακλειτῆς βασιλείης,

Your ears with his fists, and set headlong hence

ὄφρʼ εἴπω τά με θυμὸς ἐνὶ στήθεσσι κελεύει.

Your bold abode here with your blood's expence."

οὐκ ἀθεεὶ ὅδʼ ἀνὴρ Ὀδυσήϊον ἐς δόμον ἵκει·

He, looking sternly on her, answer'd her:

ἔμπης μοι δοκέει δαίδων σέλας ἔμμεναι αὐτοῦ

"Dog! What broad language giv'st thou? I'll prefer

κὰκ κεφαλῆς, ἐπεὶ οὔ οἱ ἔνι τρίχες οὐδʼ ἠβαιαί.

Your usage to the prince, that he may fall

ἦ ῥʼ, ἅμα τε προσέειπεν Ὀδυσσῆα πτολίπορθον·

Foul on your fair limbs till he tell them all."

ξεῖνʼ, ἦ ἄρ κʼ ἐθέλοις θητευέμεν, εἴ σʼ ἀνελοίμην,

This fray'd the wenches, and all straight got gone

ἀγροῦ ἐπʼ ἐσχατιῆς—μισθὸς δέ τοι ἄρκιος ἔσται—

In fear about their business, ev'ry one

αἱμασιάς τε λέγων καὶ δένδρεα μακρὰ φυτεύων;

Confessing he said well. But he stood now

ἔνθα κʼ ἐγὼ σῖτον μὲν ἐπηετανὸν παρέχοιμι,

Close by the cressets, and did looks bestow

εἵματα δʼ ἀμφιέσαιμι ποσίν θʼ ὑποδήματα δοίην.

On all men there; his brain employ'd about

ἀλλʼ ἐπεὶ οὖν δὴ ἔργα κάκʼ ἔμμαθες, οὐκ ἐθελήσεις

Some sharper business than to dance it out,

ἔργον ἐποίχεσθαι, ἀλλὰ πτώσσειν κατὰ δῆμον

Which had not long to go. Nor therefore would

βούλεαι, ὄφρʼ ἄν ἔχῃς βόσκειν σὴν γαστέρʼ ἄναλτον.

Minerva let the Wooers' spleens grow cold

τὸν δʼ ἀπαμειβόμενος προσέφη πολύμητις Ὀδυσσεύς·

With too good usuage of him, that his heart

Εὐρύμαχʼ, εἰ γὰρ νῶϊν ἔρις ἔργοιο γένοιτο

Might fret enough, and make his choler smart.

ὥρῃ ἐν εἰαρινῇ, ὅτε τʼ ἤματα μακρὰ πέλονται,

Eurymachus provok'd him first, and made

ἐν ποίῃ, δρέπανον μὲν ἐγὼν εὐκαμπὲς ἔχοιμι,

His fellow laugh, with a conceit he had

καὶ δὲ σὺ τοῖον ἔχοις, ἵνα πειρησαίμεθα ἔργου

Fetch'd far from what was spoken long before,

νήστιες ἄχρι μάλα κνέφαος, ποίη δὲ παρείη.

That his poor form perhaps some Deity bore.

εἰ δʼ αὖ καὶ βόες εἶεν ἐλαυνέμεν, οἵ περ ἄριστοι,

"It well may chance," said he, "some God doth bear

αἴθωνες, μεγάλοι, ἄμφω κεκορηότε ποίης,

This man's resemblance, for, thus standing near

ἥλικες, ἰσοφόροι, τῶν τε σθένος οὐκ ἀλαπαδνόν,

The glist'ring torches, his slick'd head doth throw

τετράγυον δʼ εἴη, εἴκοι δʼ ὑπὸ βῶλος ἀρότρῳ·

Beams round about it as those cressets do,

For not a hair he hath to give it shade.

Say, will thy heart serve t' undertake a trade

For fitting wages? Should I take thee hence

To walk my grounds, and look to ev'ry fence,

Or plant high trees, thy hire should raise thy forces

Food store, and clothes. But these same idle courses

Thou art so prompt in that thou wilt not work,

But forage up and down, and beg, and lurk

In ev'ry house whose roofs hold any will

To feed such fellows. That thy gut may fill,

Gives end to all thy being." He replied:

"I wish, at any work we two were tried,

In height of spring-time, when heav'n's lights are long,

I a good crook'd scythe that were sharp and strong,

You such another, where the grass grew deep,

Up by day-break, and both our labours keep

Up till slow darkness eas'd the labouring light,

Fasting all day, and not a crumb till night;

We then should prove our either workmanship.

Or if, again, beeves, that the goad or whip

Were apt t' obey before a tearing plow,

Big lusty beasts, alike in bulk and brow,

Alike in labour, and alike in strength,

τῷ κέ μʼ ἴδοις, εἰ ὦλκα διηνεκέα προταμοίμην.

Our task four acres, to be till'd in length

εἰ δʼ αὖ καὶ πόλεμόν ποθεν ὁρμήσειε Κρονίων

Of one sole day; again: then you should try

σήμερον, αὐτὰρ ἐμοὶ σάκος εἴη καὶ δύο δοῦρε

If the dull glebe before the plow should fly,

καὶ κυνέη πάγχαλκος, ἐπὶ κροτάφοις ἀραρυῖα,

Or I a long stitch could bear clean and even.

τῷ κέ μʼ ἴδοις πρώτοισιν ἐνὶ προμάχοισι μιγέντα,

Or lastly, if the Guide of earth and heaven

οὐδʼ ἄν μοι τὴν γαστέρʼ ὀνειδίζων ἀγορεύοις.

Should stir stern war up, either here or there,

ἀλλὰ μάλʼ ὑβρίξεις, καί τοι νόος ἐστὶν ἀπηνής·

And that at this day I had double spear,

καί πού τις δοκέεις μέγας ἔμμεναι ἠδὲ κραταιός,

And shield, and steel casque fitting for my brows;

οὕνεκα πὰρ παύροισι καὶ οὐκ ἀγαθοῖσιν ὁμιλεῖς.

At this work likewise, 'midst the foremost blows,

εἰ δʼ Ὀδυσεὺς ἔλθοι καὶ ἵκοιτʼ ἐς πατρίδα γαῖαν,

Your eyes should note me, and get little cause

αἶψά κέ τοι τὰ θύρετρα, καὶ εὐρέα περ μάλʼ ἐόντα,

To twit me with my belly's sole applause.

φεύγοντι στείνοιτο διὲκ προθύροιο θύραζε.

But you affect t' affect with injury,

ὣς ἔφατʼ, Εὐρύμαχος δʼ ἐχολώσατο κηρόθι μᾶλλον,

Your mind ungentle, seem in valour high,

καί μιν ὑπόδρα ἰδὼν ἔπεα πτερόεντα προσηύδα·

Because 'gainst few, and those not of the best,

ἆ δείλʼ, ἦ τάχα τοι τελέω κακόν, οἷʼ ἀγορεύεις

Your conversation hath been still profest.

θαρσαλέως πολλοῖσι μετʼ ἀνδράσιν, οὐδέ τι θυμῷ

But if Ulysses, landed on his earth,

ταρβεῖς· ἦ ῥά σε οἶνος ἔχει φρένας, ἤ νύ τοι αἰεὶ

And enter'd on the true right of his birth,

τοιοῦτος νόος ἐστίν· ὃ καὶ μεταμώνια βάζεις.

Should come and front ye, straight his ample gates

ἦ ἀλύεις, ὅτι Ἶρον ἐνίκησας τὸν ἀλήτην;

Your feet would hold too narrow for your fates."

ὣς ἄρα φωνήσας σφέλας ἔλλαβεν· αὐτὰρ Ὀδυσσεὺς

He frown'd, rag'd, call'd him wretch, and vow'd

Ἀμφινόμου πρὸς γοῦνα καθέζετο Δουλιχιῆος,

To be his death, since he durst prove so proud

Εὐρύμαχον δείσας· ὁ δʼ ἄρʼ οἰνοχόον βάλε χεῖρα

Amongst so many, to tell him so home

δεξιτερήν· πρόχοος δὲ χαμαὶ βόμβησε πεσοῦσα,

What he affected; ask'd, if overcome

αὐτὰρ ὅ γʼ οἰμώξας πέσεν ὕπτιος ἐν κονίῃσι.

With wine he were, or, as his minion said,

μνηστῆρες δʼ ὁμάδησαν ἀνὰ μέγαρα σκιόεντα,

Talk'd still so idly, and were palsiéd

ὧδε δέ τις εἴπεσκεν ἰδὼν ἐς πλησίον ἄλλον·

In his mind's instruments, or was proud because

αἴθʼ ὤφελλʼ ὁ ξεῖνος ἀλώμενος ἄλλοθʼ ὀλέσθαι

He gat from Irus off with such applause?

πρὶν ἐλθεῖν· τῷ οὔ τι τόσον κέλαδον μετέθηκε.

With all which, snatching up a stool, he threw;

νῦν δὲ περὶ πτωχῶν ἐριδαίνομεν, οὐδέ τι δαιτὸς